Heritage and Tradition

Tradition is very important to me because my dad was born outside of the U.S.  His culture was similar to the U.S. when he was growing up, but there are subtle differences.  Because Australia was colonized by the British, its culture shares many similarities with that of the United States.  As a result of this, I have grown up experiencing both Australian and American traditions.  I celebrate the Fourth of July, and I eat vegemite on occasion, for example.  Although my traditions and heritage may not be as diverse as those of outer students whose parents are both first generation immigrants from different cultures, I think that it has made my life and experience a lot better because of it.  I consider myself American, and I was born in the United States.  At the same time, I think my traditions are important because they are a part of my identity.  Without my dad and his Australian heritage, and without my mother and her heritage, I would be a completely different person.  I would not be Jack Dickinson.